THIS week’s release of a staged $6.91 million plan to redevelop Warrnambool’s Reid Oval was a game-changer.
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The masterplan, which includes three further stages, ends more than 20 years of talk. Crucially, the ground’s multiple users agree with the proposed works. That is a big win on its own.
Reid Oval is supposed to be Warrnambool’s premier outdoor sporting facility but years of heavy usage coupled with a lack of investment have seen it lose its mantle.
The playing surface is poor, the male changerooms are hopelessly inadequate, spectator facilities are below par and the general experience sub-standard.
Kids used to grow up dreaming of playing on Reid Oval under lights. The lights are so inadequate, night football or cricket matches can’t even be considered. Last year, teams could not even train there because the light towers had to be removed over safety fears.
The first stage of the plan has already been completed – netball changerooms and electronic scoreboard.
The next stage is upgrading the playing surface to a standard capable of hosting AFL practice matches and showcase cricket games. The cost is tipped to be $1.6 million.
The next step would be a $2.3 million project including demolishing the changerooms, bar and disgusting male toilets on the western side of the ground. The last step would be a $2.91m outlay to improve spectator facilities, the cricket nets area and other amenities.
The projected $6.91 million cost is a lot. But it will be worth it. Cities with smaller populations boast significantly better facilities. Warrnambool is the south-west’s capital and for all our tourism pull, we have undervalued sporting opportunities. Imagine what an AFL practice match could bring to the region not only in terms of immediate spend but marketing from broadcasting.
A bona fide major regional facility will bring social, health, economic, tourism and general wellbeing benefits.
But the catch is finding the money.
Warrnambool City Council is hamstrung by rate capping and has limited ways of raising cash from within its budget. It needs support from the state and federal government, the AFL and Cricket Australia. Warrnambool has a vision, at last. The blueprint says we are open for business, now the council has to sell that vision and hope the funds flow. The sooner the sell starts, the quicker it can kick goals on the ground.